Reese Witherspoon has paid tribute to Dolly Parton following the country music star's death at 80, revealing how Parton helped her win an Oscar.
Parton passed away on Tuesday after a secret battle with cancer, ending a six-decade career in country music that touched generations of fans and artists.
Witherspoon, 50, disclosed that the Queen of Country helped shepherd her to an Academy Award two decades ago for her performance in the 2005 biographical film Walk the Line. Witherspoon played country star June Carter in the biopic, which starred Joaquin Phoenix as Carter's husband, Johnny Cash.
Parton enjoyed a country music career that overlapped with Cash and Carter, both of whom she knew personally. Carter died in 2003 at the age of 73, leaving Parton in a prime position to coach Witherspoon on how to portray the country songstress.
Writing on Instagram while reeling from the news, Witherspoon recalled how Parton took her out to dinner to help her prepare for the role. "I count my lucky stars that I called Dolly my friend," Witherspoon wrote. "When I was playing June Carter Cash in Walk the Line, she took me to dinner and told me stories of how June Carter charmed everyone in country music."
Mentorship and encouraging notes
Witherspoon credited Parton with giving her the confidence to embrace the performance. "Dolly gave me the courage to put my whole spirit into that performance and made me see how lucky I was to be a storyteller," Witherspoon shared.
The actress noted that Parton offered support long after the film was completed. "Throughout my entire career, she sent me little notes of encouragement and support, telling me to be the light in people's lives and listen to my angels," Witherspoon wrote, adding that the notes were always signed: "I will always love you."
Parton wrote her classic song I Will Always Love You in 1973. She famously refused to let Elvis Presley record a cover of the track after his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, insisted that she give up the publishing rights.
Parton's determination to maintain copyright ownership was vindicated in 1992 when Whitney Houston recorded a cover for the film The Bodyguard. Houston's version became a massive hit, helping the soundtrack album achieve 19 times platinum status.
In her tribute, Witherspoon expressed her grief at the loss of her longtime mentor. "Dolly, I miss you already," she wrote. "Your talent, your wisdom and your beautiful spirit lit up our lives. Go soar with your angels.... We will always love you."
Biopic jokes and childhood dreams
Parton had also expressed warm affection for Witherspoon over the years, referring to the Legally Blonde star as "a dear friend of mine" during a 2014 interview on the television show Lorraine.
During that interview, the Steel Magnolias star recalled being asked about rumors of a potential biographical movie. "We were talking about my life story, and I went: 'Well people always say to me: "Why don't you get Reese Witherspoon?"'" Parton said. "And I always say: 'Her boobs ain't big enough! I think she's too little to rag this around! I wouldn't put that on her.'"
Witherspoon revealed a year ago that Parton inspired her acting ambitions when she was a kindergartener growing up in Nashville. Speaking to Parton during an interview for Celebs Up Close, Witherspoon recalled being a quiet child with large ambitions.
"And I always was kind of loner and I was always singing to myself and I had big dreams," Witherspoon said. She recalled her physical education teacher asking: "Reesie, what do you wanna be when you grow up?"
Witherspoon replied immediately that she wanted to be Dolly Parton. "And I meant it. I did not even blink," Witherspoon said. "And she said: 'You're gonna be Dolly Parton?' I said: 'Mmm-hmm. I'm gonna be famous like Miss Dolly Parton, and she's from Tennessee, and if she can do it then I can do it.'" Parton responded with laughter.
Hello Sunshine and funeral plans
When Witherspoon co-founded her production company Hello Sunshine in 2016 to create female-centric media projects, she visited Parton's home in Tennessee. Parton received her warmly, offering encouragement and assistance for the venture.
Parton's death was confirmed on Wednesday by her nephew Bryan Seaver via TMZ. Seaver, who served as Parton's head of security, announced that the country icon passed away at age 80 on Tuesday following an undisclosed battle with cancer.
Seaver specified that Parton will be buried beside her husband of over 50 years, Carl Dean, at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville. Dean passed away in March 2025 at age 82 from private causes, two months before what would have been the couple's 59th wedding anniversary.
According to Seaver, Parton will be interred in a comfortable cotton dress alongside a pair of high heels, reflecting the trademark style she maintained throughout her career.
Final months and legacy
Known worldwide as the Queen of Country, Parton built a career spanning six decades and earned international acclaim with enduring hit songs such as Jolene and 9 to 5.
Her passing followed several months of health difficulties that forced her to step back from public appearances. In an interview published in People magazine four days before her death, Parton revealed she had been dealing with "some health issues that I just didn't pay attention to when I was watching over Carl."
Despite her health challenges, Parton remained optimistic about her future projects in her final interview. She declared that she still had "so many things I want to achieve" and pledged to keep "working as long as I can to see everything come to life."
